This blog entry is the hardest one I’ve written to date

Will insurance cover any complications that arise during elective surgery?

Remember the question my husband keeps asking the doctors … and how the answer we keep hearing is basically … NO? For this reason, all breast doctors want you to get a mammogram before surgery. Some doctors (Doctor 1 in our case) even want you to get a full physical workup. By doing so and ruling out any potential health issues beforehand, your risk of problems during surgery drop to almost nothing.

Seemed like a pretty good idea to me. Plus I haven’t had a good workup in years. “Years” meaning never. So, I decided to bite the bullet and submit to a complete medical examination and all the joys that go along with it. It’s always good to know where your health stands anyway, right? I called my regular doctor … which resulted in a general exam (weight, blood pressure, etc.), blood tests and a surprise PAP (and it wasn’t even my birthday) yesterday as well as chest x-rays and an EKG today.

Some, not all, of the results are in. The blood work is fine. Always good to hear. Unfortunately, the chest x-ray (the first I’ve ever received) is not.

I have a tumor. On my right lung. On the pleura (lining) of my right lung. Which, apparently, if you’re going to have a tumor on your lung is the best place to have it. About the size of a ping pong ball. Or a jawbreaker. Believe it or not, this was debated for a few minutes.

They don’t know what it is. So, I’m going in for a cat scan tomorrow. My husband and my parents know. And two of my good friends. And now you.

For the record, yes, I am concerned. More so than with the breast lump we discovered six weeks ago. And pissed off with myself for being concerned. I have a good friend in the hospital who is actually having surgery tomorrow to have a mass removed. If you send out any good vibes tonight, send them to her. She needs them. I need a good night’s sleep. And maybe a valium. I’ll be fine.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and our friend in surgery. Hopefully having all of our friends pulling for you both (I’ve seen Facebook. You’ll have 1000 prayers today) will carry both of you through without any problems. You are young and healthy. There are many things this could be other than that dreaded diagnosis. Good luck!

Positive thoughts and vibes headed your way… also to your friend today. I can only imagine the thoughts and feelings running through your head right now… So glad that these doctors are thorough and that you wanted new boobs (a blessing in disguise, obviously)!